Pieces Of Eight - Tip Of The Week

 

Number: 88 Jim Tellier July 2013 Summer 2013 Session

 

TOPIC: Shallow One-Rail Kick Shots

 

CATEGORY: Intermediate-Advanced

 

INTRODUCTION:

Weve all been faced with having to kick at a ball that is close to the rail, because something is in our way! But, do you GUESS at where to hit on the rail? Or is there a system that really works? Well, there is a good (and fairly simple) system that works. Dr. Dave has the full explanation on his website (http://billiards.colostate.edu/bd_articles/2013/jan13.pdf) but Ill go over the basics here. For some, this is a refresher. If youre new at this, it can open up a whole new set of opportunities for winning games, where you previously may have thought you were skunked!

 

TECHNIQUE:

The basic idea is this:

Imagine you are shooting at the desired object ball straight on directly shooting the cue ball into the object ball, right into the pocket.

So, picture that in your mind, and see the exact point of contact where you need to hit that object ball, in order to pocket it.

Now, measure the distance from that exact spot on the object ball, to the edge of the cushion near the object ball. In the diagram, its the distance from desired contact point to the rail.

Then, from that same spot on the cushion, find the exact same distance at some point out on the rail itself. Place a piece of chalk at that spot, and (to be most accurate) place the corner of the piece of chalk at the exact point you are marking.

OK.. were almost ready! Go back to your shooting position, and look at the aim line, from the cue ball, through that point marked by the corner of the piece of chalk.

You MAY find it easier to aim this kind of shot by looking beyond the chalk, to a point on the wall or something farther away. Sometimes, its easier to see a projected line with a target thats farther away, when you finally do get down to shoot. HOWEVER if you use that approach, you must be 100% sure that youre projecting the proper aim line! Be aware that tiny errors in judgement will be magnified, causing you to miss the shot.

So now, all you need to do is send the cue ball directly at the marked point. Do it softly: only enough speed to make sure the ball gets into the pocket. Hitting this type of shot with too much speed introduces errors due to the fact that the rebound angle of the cue ball off the first rail will change depending on the speed of the hit.

This shot is intended to work best with a rolling cue ball, traveling fairly slowly. It takes practice to be consistent with these types of kick shots. But, then will win games for you! See Dr Daves article, its well worth spending some time with this one!

 

 

 

A couple of very useful links to instructional materials are:

 

http://www.azbilliards.com/2000instruction.php

 

http://www.billiards.colostate.edu

 

Shoot well, and keep your opponent in his chair!

Capn Carom

ARRRR!!!! J